Teachers demand jobs

SAIDUL KHAN

Tura, Aug. 8: The Meghalaya elementary pre-service trained teachers’ association today requested chief minister Mukul Sangma’s to see to it that trained teachers with requisite qualification are appointed in lower and upper primary schools of Garo hills.

The association in its memorandum to Sangma stated anomalies in appointment in different schools of the East and North Garo Hills.

“The government has neglected the national council of teachers’ education norms for appointment in lower and upper primary schools in Resubelpara and Williamnagar sub-division,” said Naratham Rabha, president of the association.

An RTI finding said 39 teachers under Williamnagar sub-division and 36 teachers under Resubelpara sub-division do not meet the eligibility criteria.

“The teachers were appointed under a contract on the approval of the director of school education and literacy,” said Rabha. The association felt that many trained candidates sponsored by the government have been deprived. “We are pained to see that candidates who have close links with political leaders and officers easily get appointed although they fail to meet the eligibility requirements,” Rabha added.

In its memorandum, the association has urged the chief minister to intervene in the matter by ensuring the appointment of trained teachers, who fulfil the national council of teachers’ education norms.

On vacant posts in both the districts, the association demanded job advertisements for the post immediately. “We feel that the posts are kept a secret with an intention to recruit with political influence,” said Todik Momin, secretary of the association.

“We strongly object to the appointment of candidates on the recommendation of the school managing committee, who flaunt recruitment norms,” Momin added.

On the failure of the government to conduct teachers’ eligibility test (TET) for the last nine years, Momin said, “We have urged the government to conduct the test to fill up vacant posts in different lower and upper primary schools of Garo hills.” The last eligibility test was conducted in 2006.